House Detective: Hydrogen peroxide is for more than bleaching your hair

Wednesday

May 29, 2013 at 2:00 AMMay 29, 2013 at 7:29 AM

The Ladies Who Game got together for a rare daytime meet-up, cookout in the yard, kids in tow. Of course one of them skinned a knee, another cut a finger — the kids — all in a good yard-day's play.

Jeanné McCartin

The Ladies Who Game got together for a rare daytime meet-up, cookout in the yard, kids in tow. Of course one of them skinned a knee, another cut a finger — the kids — all in a good yard-day's play.

Maureen, the lady of the house, pulled out hydrogen peroxide (HP) and dabbed it on the skinned knee, then let "little Mary" select from the cool cartoon character bandages.

"What was that you just put on her," asked Mary's mom, Gillian. Maureen told her. Gillian's jaw dropped and her eyes did that big, round animé thing.

"Like in you dye-your-hair peroxide?! Won't that hurt her?" she asked while darting across the yard to a content preschooler.

"Please tell me she didn't just say that," says Maureen, our resident curmudgeon, (a smart and warmhearted one, but a curmudgeon.) "Yes, I did. And now her finger is going to fall off!"

Gillian immediately realized she was missing something and stopped mid way. "Um, what is hydrogen peroxide?"

Well, good question, because it's a handy-dandy product every home should have. I personally keep a few quart containers in the house. As to whether it should be used on cuts and scratches — as it has been for forever — that's another question.

HP's chemical representation is H2O2. It is a germicidal agent or disinfectant, an agent that kills germs, especially pathogenic microorganisms. What we buy in the store is generally a mix of 3 percent H2O2 to 97 percent. It can be bought in higher percentages, but in that form requires much more care and needs to be handled carefully as instructed. (High strength HP usage has proven dangerous.)

I've noticed "how to use" HP lists are making the social media rounds these days, (that suggests you're more virtuous if you use it, or "you're givin' it to the man," by forgoing other products). HP really is a great, inexpensive product with multiple, healthful uses in the home. But alas not all the circulating uses are true and some are unsafe.

So, next time you come across any list of this nature — even on baking soda — do your research. Some of the claims should come with warnings, others simply aren't true.

As for HP, many households have long used it on little cuts; my mom did. Today that practice is being called into question. Here's the thing, the American Medical Association says it is likely perfectly fine and in fact could help remove debris, thanks to its fizzy action. On the other hand The Mayo Clinic and other medical groups warn against it, saying it may impede the healing process. (Information at links below). Few studies have been done on HP's effect on wounds. Those contrary voices suggest good old soap and water; can't go wrong there.

For sure HP is killer in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. It's great for cleaning wood cutting boards; it does kill salmonella. Don't be afraid to pour it right on and let it soak in.

And yes, it can clean kitchen tops, and kill germs while doing so. It's all cheaper and safer than the antibacterial products many use in homes that damage the environment. It's great for bathroom surfaces as well. Just remember H202 breaks down quickly when exposed to light. So, if you put it in a spray bottle for easy use make sure it's an opaque container.

If it kills germs it makes sense it can clean a toothbrush. Just remember the breakdown in light issue, which means a fresh batch is required for each cleaning.

As for the claim it makes a good mouthwash. Yup it can. But there are caveats to this one — take heed. First it is suggested the 3 percent solution be cut again in half with water, and that it be used only when required for health reasons. There is a physicians' report that suggests it could be used limitedly. But regular use may soften teeth, and damage cells, (source below). The FDA, on the other hand, has approved the solution for mouthwash.

And yes, that 3 percent used carefully will safely lighten hair. Just cut the three-percent with 50 percent additional water and comb it through after washing. Over time it will gradually give you highlights.

Keep in mind a 6 percent solution is used for bleaching hair. This is an effective chemical. And that means it should be treated with respect.

HP is great stuff, with real beneficial household uses, but like so many other products, because it IS effective, it needs to be used properly.

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